Phillips Chiropractic

Knee X-ray

Individuals 65 years and older who’ve been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA), that practice Tai Chi, improve their physical function and encounter less pain, according to a new Tufts University School of Medicine study. Osteoarthritis is a general form of arthritis that causes a breakdown of joint cartilage. Chiropractors help a large number individuals who suffer with OA in a number of regions of the body, including the joints of the knee. Second only to spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most prevalent afflictions of the musculoskeletal system. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are an astounding 4.3 million people in this country over age 60 diagnosed with knee OA, and the CDC anticipates that by age 85, half of American adults may suffer from symptoms of OA. Knee osteoarthritis results in pain, immobility, dysfunction and disability, and a diminished quality of life.

You may be wondering why so many adults develop OA. Inordinate stress over a period of time is a major element in the majority of musculoskeletal problems that develop as we age. Therefore, as people age they are more at risk for developing OA in their knees, as well as other joints. Abnormal function of the knee, improper gait, compensatory foot mechanics as the result of foot pain, and repetitive use of the knee joint all create excessive stress on the knees. Over time arthritic changes in the knee joint develop. As an adjunct to chiropractic treatment, chiropractors fully support natural, drug-free practices, such as Tai Chi (Chuan), that can mitigate knee pain. Tai Chi (Chuan) is a traditional style of Chinese martial arts that features slow, rhythmic movements that generate mental relaxation, as well as an enhancement of balance, an increase in strength, and more flexibility.

The 40 men and women selected for the Tufts study were on an average 65 years of age, overweight, and with confirmed OA, but in otherwise good health. Individuals were randomly selected to participate in 60-minute “Yang style” Tai Chi sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute self-massage and a review of Tai Chi principles, 30 minutes of Tai Chi movement, 10 minutes of breathing technique, and 10 minutes of relaxation.

Tai Chi involves many of the prevailing exercise protocols for OA, such as range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout. Furthermore, researchers noted that the “mental aspect” of Tai Chi encouraged a sense of well-being, life satisfaction, and impressions of health that assisted the participants in dealing differently with chronic pain. Compared with the control group, the group practicing Tai Chi exhibited a significant decrease in knee pain.

Full findings of the study are published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

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Knee pain and disability is prevalent, second only to spinal conditions within the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as impaired foot mechanics as the result of foot pain often create painful knee problems. Additional causes normally include overuse of the knee joint, inflammation related to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: The most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain is insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the corresponding stress on the soft tissues of the knee. Normally, the part of the knee involved is the patella or knee-cap. Often the patella does not move evenly or does not move adequately on the femur during bending of the knee causing abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This distinct condition is normally called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain).

The dysfunction generally originates when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that join to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement commonly begin from lower back ailments, particularly in the sacroiliac joint. Imbalances in muscle groups that connect to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can cause pain on the medial or inside of the knee.   Mechanical knee pain is also created by gait abnormalities such as pronation.

The correlative pain from overuse is most frequently felt during activity, particularly stair climbing, running, jumping, and following getting up from prolonged sitting. Many women seem to be predisposed to painful overuse conditions for anatomical reasons, although such ailments are frequently related to wearing high heels on a regular basis. It is important to re-establish proper muscle balance, restore appropriate motion to the patella and other knee joints, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In certain cases, a brace is used to help with the alignment of the patella or to secure the joint. Chiropractors, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor are ideally trained to render the appropriate diagnosis and care of these problems.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries frequently happen during physical exertion that involves running and jumping, such as football, basketball, and skiing. When the knee is extended or twisted beyond the capability of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can occur causing a sprain. Strains to muscles that give motion to the knee can occur when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a slight injury that requires little care to a serious injury requiring surgery. The knee also has two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that provide for frictionless mobility and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and commonly need surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can produce intense pain and swelling and require urgent examination and treatment. In the majority of cases a competent chiropractor, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, can take excellent care of these problems, although there are some injuries that do need the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is very important to stabilize the injured joint right away and to use ice on the hurt area, if possible, until the injury can be examined. Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be eliminated at an early stage.

If not, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will begin to erode. Consequently the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful condition, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is commonly progressive with age. General treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Fortunately, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are highly effectual such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely helpful in reducing the pain. Your Santa Barbara chiropractor is will be happy to recommend anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, individuals can usually aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

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